LPMO as a Key Enzyme in the Sustainable Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Abstract

The importance of the lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) enzyme in the preparation of lignocellulosic raw materials for production in biorefineries has been confirmed in numerous investigations. Therefore, LPMO enzymes were investigated to explore the enzyme-substrate interaction with the aim of successful biomass conversion in biorefinery processes. After reductive activation of LPMOs active site, they cleave the substrate and prepare it for biomass degradation by hydrolytic enzymes. In this paper, the role of LPMO in lignocellulosic biomass conversion is described based on the recent studies of: LPMO enzyme structure, LPMO substrate preferences, and the LPMO reaction mechanism. These findings are important for the selection of suitable bioprocess conditions with the aim of LPMO activation/stabilisation in biorefinery production processes.